Tunisia’s Water Crisis Worsens as Droughts Strain Economy, Farms and Infrastructure

A new African Development Bank report warns that Tunisia is facing an escalating drought crisis driven by climate change, water mismanagement and growing pressure on limited resources, threatening agriculture, food security and economic stability. The study calls for urgent reforms, including stronger water governance, modern irrigation systems, wastewater reuse and major investments in climate-resilient infrastructure.

Tunisia is facing one of the most serious drought crises in its modern history. A major report by the African Development Bank Group, prepared with support from institutions including the World Bank, FAO, ONAGRI, DGRE, OECD and the Med-CORDEX climate initiative, warns that water scarcity is becoming a long-term national threat rather than a temporary climate problem.

The study shows that droughts in Tunisia are becoming more frequent, more intense and longer-lasting due to climate change, rising temperatures and declining rainfall. Nearly 60 percent of the years between 1950 and 2018 were classified as drought years. Scientists also predict that rainfall in central and southern Tunisia could fall by up to 25 percent by the end of the century, while temperatures may rise by as much as 5°C.

Northern Tunisia, once considered relatively water-rich, is now beginning to resemble the country's dry central regions. Researchers say the country is entering an era of "compound droughts," where extreme heat and severe water shortages occur together, making the crisis even harder to manage.

Agriculture and Food Supplies Under Pressure

Agriculture is one of the sectors most affected by Tunisia's worsening droughts. Farming consumes around 80 percent of the country's water resources, yet much of it still depends heavily on rainfall. When droughts strike, cereal production drops sharply, livestock suffers and food prices rise.

The report highlights how recent droughts damaged wheat production and pushed up the prices of meat, fruits and vegetables. Rural communities are among the hardest hit because many families rely directly on farming for income and survival.

The crisis is also affecting Tunisia's wider economy. Tourism, which depends on healthy natural landscapes and coastal areas, is under growing pressure from water shortages and environmental degradation. Researchers warn that drought is now threatening economic growth, food security and social stability across the country.

A System Struggling to Cope

Despite having several national strategies and water management plans, Tunisia's response to drought remains weak and fragmented. Different ministries and agencies often work separately, creating confusion and delays.

One example highlighted in the report is the National Drought Plan introduced in 2020. Although it was designed to improve preparedness, it was never fully implemented because of poor coordination, lack of funding and unclear responsibilities between institutions.

The report also criticises delays in updating Tunisia's Water Code and Environmental Code. Without stronger laws and clearer rules, the country struggles to manage groundwater use, modernise infrastructure or attract private investment into the water sector.

At the same time, human activity is worsening the problem. Rapid urban growth, inefficient irrigation systems, leaking water networks and groundwater overuse are placing enormous pressure on already limited resources. Pollution from agriculture, industries and households is further damaging water quality.

Huge Investments Needed

According to the report, Tunisia will need more than TND 25 billion by 2050 to modernise dams, irrigation systems, wastewater treatment plants and drinking water networks. However, limited public finances and economic difficulties make such investments challenging.

To overcome this, the study recommends new financing solutions such as green bonds, climate funds and public-private partnerships. Researchers believe Tunisia must also encourage private companies to invest in water-saving technologies and wastewater recycling projects.

The report places strong emphasis on the reuse of treated wastewater, describing it as one of Tunisia's most important untapped resources. Smart irrigation systems, digital monitoring tools and drought-resistant crops are also seen as key to building a more climate-resilient agricultural sector.

A Race Against Time

The report concludes that Tunisia still has the technical expertise, infrastructure and international support needed to confront its water crisis. However, experts warn that stronger leadership and faster action are urgently needed.

Among the study's most important recommendations is the creation of an independent National Water Agency to coordinate drought planning and water management across the country. Researchers say Tunisia must move away from reactive crisis management and adopt a long-term strategy focused on resilience, innovation and sustainability.

For Tunisia, drought is no longer a future danger. It is already reshaping the country's economy, agriculture and environment. The challenge now is whether the country can act quickly enough to protect its water resources before the crisis deepens further.